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HOUGHTON -- The thimbleberry has been a part of the Keweenaw for centuries. From The Ground Farmer's Market Collective and Visit Keweenaw are bringing the sweet treat tradition to local farmer's markets and businesses with the second annual Thimbleberry Festival, which starts today at the Houghton Farmer's Market.
Visit Keweenaw Social Media and Content Manager Amanda Makela said looking through the Michigan Tech archives inspired the local angle for the festival. "It's always been a focus on the local markets, the artists, vendors and local businesses," she said. "We're just sort of reinvigorating that."
Thimbleberries have propped up businesses, farm stands and supported tourism in the area for a long time. Keweenaw County in particular has businesses like The Jam Pot in Eagle Harbor, The Jam Lady in Eagle River and Wood'n Spoon in Mohawk. Makela said the Keweenaw's landscape and soil makeup let this berry thrive. "The plant itself grows in and typically likes rocky, arid soil," she said. "Our unique geology actually is very conducive for this berry to grow."
Farmer’s Markets in Houghton on today, Hancock on Thursday, Lake Linden on Friday and Calumet on Saturday, will embrace the thimbleberry theme and offering thimbleberry products this week. Makela added Visit Keweenaw will give away free prizes through interacting with the different markets and businesses.
"Folks can expect to see thimbleberry jams, bread, bunt cakes, baked goods," she said. "We'll have magnets and some stickers. In addition, Visit Keweenaw has created a digital passport that folks can sign up for free."
Businesses featured in the digital passport include Beviamo Vino, The Gay Bar and Copper Scoop.
From The Ground Farmer's Market Collective Food Access Coordinator Maija Ottman said the organization is excited to show off all of what thimbleberries have to offer.
"Everybody is so excited to participate and to feature such a unique and delicious ingredient that's so connected to the roots of our area," she said. "Jake [Tenharmsel], our board chair, said it’s a great opportunity to let bakers and jam folks shine. The farmers get the spotlight for the season, but this is about other vendors too."
The Keweenaw Thimbleberry Festival returning to its roots once again is a sign of nostalgia and for the future of foraging in the area. "Over the course of time, folks have taken the berry and created businesses -- we've had these long-time establishments," Makela said. "They just formulate these memories around food and travel in the Keweenaw. That's a lot of what the heart of this is."